Power amp Suggestions for Dunlavy SC-IV

Other options to consider are some of the older Nelson Pass class A amps. I ran Pass Labs Aleph 2s with 4As (I ran across info in a couple places that those amps were used during the speaker voicing process). It was a good match.

In addition to his products at Threshold and Pass Labs, Mr Pass has designed class A amps for other Brands; Nakamichi, Forte, and I think some others.

TD

I read a review that used a pair of Pass Laboratories 300W Aleph 1.2's to drive Dunlavy's. I think these will be way out of your budget range even as old as they are and used. I second the Pass Labs suggestion though (as a less harsh or unforgiving sound compared to the Bryston). Personally I don't have a problem with Bryston but some do - to my tin ears it sound correct even if unforgiving.

I've heard Dunlavy SC-IV's run with some fairly high powered Pass Aleph mono's and was underwhelmed. I heard those very same speakers sound better with some B&K M200's, different Pre though. Though the Dunlavy's are indeed efficient, I was amazed at the improvement that 4 matched B&K M200's made over using just 2. But, that maybe just personal preference.

The speakers I finally am going to endup with are the sc 1v-a's.
What do folks think of the mcintosh solid state amps.
252
352 strongly considering
402.
others?

Also still thinking about the 4bsst.

anybody have experience with any of these combos?

I have owned the Dunlavy SCIV's for many years now and they are very efficient with a very flat and stable impedance curve which tubes love. I primarily use a Bel Canto SET40 Single Ended 845 Triode amp which gives 35 watts RMS and 70 watts peak. This works wonderfully. You get the full instrumental harmonics, plenty of dynamic swing, and awesome sound staging. Absolutely NO NEED FOR SUBWOOFERS. I also use a custom buildt EL84 amp that puts out 15 powerful watts and does a fantastic job. As long as you use an amplifier of great design quality and above flea power wattage you will be fine......depending on the room size you will be using them in, of course. The larger the room, the more power you will need. I have used these speakers for about a dozen years now and have no plans on replacing them. As mentioned above, they are very revealing and will expose everything upstream, so system synergy is very key but also very rewarding. Best of luck.

Don